ATLANTA CAR NEWS
A bigger, roomier Mitsubishi Outlander now on the road
For four-cylinder models, EPA rated at 20 miles per gallon
San Antonio Express-News
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Outlander was completely redesigned for 2007, entering its second generation. The new model offers a version with a third-row seat, with capacity for up to seven people; the original model had room only for five.
For 2008, Mitsubishi introduced two new Outlander versions, including the new generation’s first four-cylinder model, the entry-level ES, which arrived just in time to help consumers navigate through $4-a-gallon gasoline prices. ES prices begin at $19,990 (plus $695 freight) for the front-wheel-drive version and $21,350 for all-wheel drive.
Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Outlander was completely redesigned in 2007. The 2008 version offers a fuel-efficient four-cylinder entry-level model. Mitsubishi
There is even a new sporty, uplevel four-cylinder model, the 2.4 Special Edition or SE, which carries a base price of $23,330 plus freight for the front-drive model — our test vehicle — and $24,690 for the all-wheel-drive version.
The V-6 models are the LS ($22,610 / front drive; $23,970 / all-wheel drive) and XLS ($23,850 / $25,210).
Unfortunately, neither of the four-cylinder models is offered yet with the third row of seating. It’s included only on the XLS.
Built on Mitsubishi’s new global small-car architecture, the Outlander shares its underpinnings with the Lancer compact sedan, which also was redesigned for 2007.
Besides allowing Mitsubishi to offer the Outlander with a lower price, the four-cylinder brings almost 20 percent better city fuel economy — it’s EPA rated at 20 miles per gallon versus 17 mpg for the V-6. The highway ratings for the four- and six-cylinder front-drive models are the same — 25 mpg.
Four-cylinder models come with a continuously variable automatic transmission or CVT, while the V-6 versions have a six-speed automatic. Unfortunately, no manual transmission is available.
The ES is not a stripped-down entry model that consumers would be disappointed with; it’s actually well equipped for everyday driving. Standard equipment includes electronic stability and traction control, air conditioning, an AM / FM / compact-disc audio system with six speakers, front seat-mounted side air bags and side-curtain air bags for all rows, cruise control, four-wheel disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote, and an engine-immobilizing security system.
The 2.4 SE model (our tester) comes with some extras, including 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system, chrome outside door handles and side sills, exclusive interior door-panel trim with chrome handles, Mitsubishi’s FAST key entry / start system (the key remains in the driver’s pocket or purse), high-contrast gauges, mesh fabric seats with leather bolsters, and magnesium paddle shifters on the steering wheel for (clutchless) manual shifting of the CVT.
One reason the four-cylinder was introduced was to compete with the hot new 2008 Nissan Rogue, a four-cylinder compact crossover whose starting price is $19,995. But the two best-selling models in the segment — the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V — also have four-cylinder engines. There is a V-6 available in the RAV4, but the CR-V comes only with a four.
The RAV4 is the only other vehicle in this class with the third seat, however, unless you include the smaller and lighter Kia Rondo, which comes with a choice of a four- or six-cylinder. The Rondo is more like a small wagon than a boxy crossover, however. The new Outlander seems to outclass its competitors on just about every front, although the RAV4 does offer more power with its optional V-6 (269 horsepower).
There has been an Outlander in my family since 2003, and it’s been a great vehicle. Now in its fifth year, ours never has had to go into the shop for anything more than routine oil changes. Not many new cars are that trouble-free.
The newest Outlander is longer, higher and wider than its predecessor. That allows for more interior space and the addition of the third seat, which is designed to hold children, not adults.
The cargo area is longer, wider and higher, allowing two bicycles to be carried inside with their front wheels removed. This can be accomplished only with the third seat folded into the floor and the middle seats folded and tumbled forward.
There is a center-dash storage compartment that opens with a push of its lid and is big enough for small items. Next to that is a large, two-tier glove box, which has a card and pen holder in the lower section. The glove box is illuminated and lockable.
A compartment overhead holds sunglasses, and the center console between the front bucket seats has a padded armrest on top that can slide 2.5 inches front or rear.
Under the armrest, there is a tray suitable for a cellphone and a larger compartment that can hold up to 10 compact discs. There also is a 12-volt power outlet in the tray, with a slot that allows a cable such as that of a cellphone charger to pass through.
The door armrests have integrated cup holders large enough for bottles up to 16 ounces. There are two more cup holders in the center console, and there is a slide-out cup holder on each side of the dash.
An armrest that can be folded down in the middle of the second-row bench seat has two cup holders. And on top of each of the rear-wheel housings is a small storage compartment. On the right side wall of the cargo area, there is a hidden compartment that also has a 12-volt power outlet.
An available luxury package for the XLS ($1,600) brings leather upholstery for the first two rows of seats, heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Also offered on the XLS is a navigation package ($1,800) and a sun-and-sound package ($1,610), which adds a sunroof and the Rockford-Fosgate audio system.
Our vehicle came with no options; total price of our tester was $24,025, including freight.
